Clinico-epidemiologic review of 91 cases of non-odontogenic sarcomas of the orofacial region in a Nigerian population

Abstract

Introduction: Sarcomas are a rare group of malignant tumors. This study highlights important findings in 91 cases of non-odontogenic sarcomas of the orofacial region. Materials and Methods: Patients who presented with orofacial sarcoma at the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of a regional University Teaching Hospital between January 1997 and June 2017 were retrospectively studied. Excluded were cases of Kaposi and odontogenic sarcomas. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results from descriptive statistics were represented in the form of charts. Results: A total of 91 cases were reviewed and consisted of 51 (56.0%) males and 40 (44.0%) females, with a male to female ratio of 1.3:1. The mandible (n=47; 51.6%) and the maxilla (n=26; 28.6%) were the major sites involved. Osteogenic sarcoma (n=44; 48.4%) and rhabdomyosarcoma (n=16; 17.6%) occurred more frequently. A total of 41 (45.1%) patients had surgery and the common hard tissue procedures were mandibulectomy (n=26; 28.6%) and maxillectomy (n=10; 11.0%). Non-surgical oncological treatment was administered to 32 (35.2%) patients, and this was the only modality of treatment in 8 (8.8%) cases. The period of follow-up Arranged from 1-43 months and within this period; there were 7 (17.1%) recurrences with 1 case of pulmonary metastasis. Discussion: Most recurrences were noted less than one-year post-treatment. There is a tendency for patients to present late and compliance with follow up review is poor in this environment.